Robert B. Beitler
Robert B. “Bob” Beitler, 71, of Forest, Ohio passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on November 29, 1946 in Decatur to Chester L. and Julia G. (Lehman) Beitler. He was married on June 16, 1968 to Sharon Messmer after their graduation from Bluffton College.
He graduated from South Adams High School in Berne in 1964, from Bluffton College in 1968 with a B.S. in math, and from BGSU in 1977 with a Master's in education. He and his wife taught two years in Newfoundland, Canada serving under the Mennonite Teachers Abroad Program. He retired from Riverdale Local Schools in 2000 after teaching math and science for 30 years in junior high and then at the high school level. He also coached RHS track and was a junior high adviser for the H.A.P.P.Y. and J.E.D.I. programs. He was a member of the N.E.A., O.E.A., O.E.A. Retired, and the Hardin County Retired Teachers organizations. After retiring from teaching, he painted full time in his Beitler Painting L.L.C.
He was a member of the Heritage Christian Union Church, where he served as elder, Sunday school teacher, and song leader, among many other duties. He also was privileged to go on mission trips to Mexico, Russia, Alaska, China, and Teen Missions International in Merritt Island, Florida. He spent time working on the Ohio Christian Union Youth Board and at the Christian Union Camps in Greenfield, Ohio. He was a member of the Hardin County Gideons, Hardin County Habitat for Humanity, and the Forest Town Council. He also volunteered frequently at the Forest Community Food Pantry.
He loved his wife, his family, and his God. He enjoyed visiting family, family vacations, Bluffton College friends weekends, and cruises with his wife.
He is survived by his parents of Berne; son, Nathan H. (Susan) Beitler of Aurora, Illinois; two daughters, Joy (Jeff) Kramer of Fort Worth, Texas; and Sara Beitler of Santa Monica, California; eight grandchildren, Kayla, Wesley, and Kyle Beitler of Aurora, Illinois; Cole, Evan, Julia, and Claire Kramer of Fort Worth, Texas; and Harrison Beitler of Santa Monica, California; two brothers, John (Brenda) Beitler of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; and Stan Beitler of Fort Wayne; and sister, Christine (Laurence) Nofziger of Elmsworth, Alberta, Canada.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24 at Clark Shields Funeral Home in Forest, Ohio and one hour prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, January 25 at Heritage Union Christian Church in Forest, Ohio. Burial will be at Jackson Center Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Ken Gray and Rex Roth.
Memorials may be made to Heritage Christian Union Church or Hardin County Gideons in care of Clark Shields Funeral Home, 301 S. Patterson St., Forest, OH 45843. Online condolences may be made at www.Shieldsfh.com where you may also view the life tribute DVD.